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There are numerous types of bed sheets available—so many, in fact, that it can feel overwhelming when you're shopping for a new set and doing some online research. What’s the best fabric for sheets? How do various materials feel? How do you determine if a set is worth the price? These are common questions that come up when you first start exploring the world of sheets.
What Are the Different Types of Sheets?
The key thing to understand about sheets is the material they’re made from. The fabric type gives you insights into how the sheets will feel, how breathable and cooling they are, and their overall durability. This knowledge can also help you assess whether a set is reasonably priced.
When choosing a sheet set, there are two main factors to consider: the material and the weave or knit pattern. Materials refer to the raw fibres used to create the fabric, while the weave or knit indicates the method used to turn those fibres into cloth. A material's texture can vary based on the weave or knit style, and similarly, the same weave can feel different depending on the material used.
Materials
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common materials used for making bed sheets.
Cotton: Cotton is one of the most widely used materials for sheets, either on its own or in combination with other fabrics. It is a natural fibre derived from the cotton plant, known for its softness, breathability, and durability. Cotton sheets come in various qualities, with Egyptian and Pima (Supima) cotton being considered among the finest. Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt, while Pima cotton, often branded as "Supima," is primarily grown in the United States. These types of cotton have longer fibres, which result in softer and more durable sheets that resist pilling and hold their structure well. Conversely, sheets made from shorter staple cotton, like Upland cotton, tend to be less expensive but may lose their softness over time. Organic cotton, regardless of variety, is typically pricier than non-organic options.
Linen: Linen is a fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is one of the oldest known textiles and is prized for its durability, breathability, and textured feel. Linen fibres are hollower than cotton, which allows for greater airflow, making it extremely breathable. While linen is generally more expensive than cotton, it is valued for its natural and durable qualities. Some manufacturers blend linen with other fibres to reduce costs, but 100 percent linen sheets provide the most authentic experience.
Bamboo: Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular as a sheet material. Bamboo sheets are made from the pulp of bamboo plants. This pulp is processed either mechanically or chemically to extract the cellulose, which is then spun into threads to make fabric, known as viscose or rayon. Bamboo sheets are prized for their silky softness, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo is also considered environmentally friendly due to its rapid growth and minimal need for water or pesticides. However, the manufacturing process of converting bamboo into fabric involves chemicals and water usage, which can reduce its eco-friendliness.
Tencel: Similar to bamboo viscose, Tencel is made from eucalyptus and follows a slightly different production process. Tencel is a brand name, while the generic term for the material is eucalyptus lyocell. Unlike viscose, lyocell is created using a more environmentally friendly process, with less waste and fewer harmful chemicals. Like bamboo viscose, Tencel sheets offer a soft, cool, and smooth feel, making them another popular choice for bedding.
Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic material that most people are familiar with from its common use in clothing. It is an affordable and durable fabric that wicks moisture, which can be beneficial for hot sleepers. However, pure polyester sheets are often less desirable due to their scratchy texture and lack of breathability. Polyester is frequently blended with cotton or other natural fibres to make more affordable, yet softer, sheet options.
Silk: Silk is a natural fibre produced by insects, most commonly the mulberry silkworm, to create their cocoons. Silk has long been considered a luxury fabric due to its smooth, soft, and shiny texture. It is also breathable and helps regulate temperature, making it ideal for those who sleep hot. In addition to being gentle on skin and hair, silk sheets are measured by momme rather than thread count, with higher momme indicating higher quality. However, there are ethical concerns about silk production, as it often involves killing the silkworms to harvest the fibres.
Weaves and Knits
Now that we’ve looked at some popular materials, let’s explore the various weave and knit styles. Even when made from the same fabric, sheets can feel and perform very differently depending on their weave or knit.
Sateen: Sateen is another common weave, where three or four yarns go over, followed by one yarn going under. This results in a thicker, tighter fabric that often has a higher thread count than percale. Sateen sheets are admired for their silky sheen, soft touch, and luxurious drape. They tend to retain more warmth compared to percale due to their denser weave.
Percale: Percale is one of the most widely used weaves for sheets, also known as a plain weave. It follows a pattern of one yarn over, one yarn under, ensuring that the warp (vertical threads) and weft (horizontal threads) are evenly distributed. This weave is known for its crisp, smooth texture and a matte finish. It’s also quite breathable, due to its lower thread count.
Satin: Satin and sateen share a similar weave structure—both use a three or four yarn over, one yarn under technique. The distinction lies in the fibres used: satin is made from filament fibres such as silk, nylon, or polyester, whereas sateen uses staple fibres like cotton and rayon. Traditionally, satin was only made with silk, but modern versions often include synthetic materials like nylon and polyester.
Twill: Twill is a weave known for its diagonal, parallel ribbed pattern, achieved by passing the weft over one or more warp threads, then under two or more warp threads. This creates a fabric with a distinctive diagonal line and a sturdy structure. Twill is commonly associated with denim but is also used in bedding. Its higher thread count makes it a warmer option.
Flannel: Flannel is often associated with cozy shirts but is also used for bedding. While traditionally made from wool, it’s now produced with materials like cotton and polyester. Flannel is typically woven in either a twill or percale style, then brushed (or napped) to create its signature fuzzy texture. The fabric can be single- or double-napped for extra softness. Flannel sheets are a winter favourite due to their warmth, which is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Lightweight flannel falls between 130-135 GSM, midweight is 140-150 GSM, and heavyweight is 160 GSM or more.
Breaking Down Sheets
Now that you’re familiar with different materials and weave/knit styles used in sheets, let's discuss how to select the best sheets for your bed. You may even want to consider having different sheets for different seasons, especially if you live in a place with both hot summers and cold winters.
Materials Each sheet material offers unique characteristics, with its own set of pros and cons. When deciding on a material, consider what matters most to you—softness, breathability, durability, or ease of care. By understanding which features you prioritize, you can narrow down which materials best meet your needs.
Fit Finding the right sheet size is usually straightforward—if you have a queen-size bed, buy queen-size sheets. However, one aspect of fit to consider is pocket depth. Mattresses vary in thickness, so if yours is more than 25 cm tall, you may need to look for deep drop fitted sheets. Ideally, the pocket depth should be a few centimetres larger than the height of your mattress. For example, a 38 cm mattress would pair well with 40 to 43 cm pocket sheets.
Colour and Pattern Choosing colours and patterns is one of the more enjoyable parts of shopping for sheets. If you have a specific design aesthetic, that may influence your choices. Some brands offer a broad range of colour options, while others stick to more neutral tones like white, beige, or grey.
Thread Count Thread count is often misunderstood. While many believe that higher thread counts always indicate better quality, this isn’t necessarily true. Brands boasting extremely high thread counts sometimes inflate these numbers by using double-ply threads. A good thread count varies by the type of sheet—for example, high-quality percale sheets typically range between 180 and 300, while sateen sheets range from 300 to 600. Sateen sheets need more threads due to their denser weave. It's also worth noting that some fabrics, like silk or flannel, don’t use thread count as a measure of quality.
Cooling If staying cool at night is a priority, you’ll want sheets that are either breathable or temperature-regulating. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and silk allow air to flow through them, making them ideal for hot sleepers. For maximum cooling, opt for a lower thread count, like a percale cotton sheet. Fabrics such as bamboo, Tencel, and other semi-synthetics are excellent for regulating temperature as they adapt to your body heat and often wick away moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Care Instructions Different materials require different care routines. For example, silk sheets may need special detergent and often require hand washing or air drying. If ease of care is important to you, it's worth considering the care requirements before purchasing.
Price Price is another factor to keep in mind when choosing sheets. Costs can vary widely based on the material, construction quality, and brand. Linen and silk are typically more expensive, while cotton, bamboo, and Tencel vary in price. Polyester and other synthetic materials are generally more affordable.
Here's how to find the right sheet for your bed
If you’ve been shopping for sheets, you’ve likely noticed that many, especially those marketed as high-quality, highlight their thread count. There’s a common belief that a higher thread count means better quality, but is that really the case? Is a higher thread count always better, and what does it even mean?
What is Thread Count?
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together in a square inch of fabric. It is calculated by adding the horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads together. For example, a sheet with a thread count of 500 might have 250 threads running vertically and 250 running horizontally, or 200 in the warp and 300 in the weft, while still adding up to 500.
Thread count is often seen as a measure of how tightly a fabric is woven. A higher number of threads results in a denser fabric, while fewer threads create a looser weave, which explains why sheets with lower thread counts can feel more breathable.
Types of Woven Fabric
Sheets are made from various materials, such as cotton, bamboo, linen, and Tencel, and come in three main weave styles:
Percale: This weave follows a one-over, one-under pattern, creating a crisp, smooth texture.
Sateen: Sateen is woven with three or four threads over and one thread under, making the fabric thicker and giving it a soft, lustrous finish.
Twill: Twill creates a diagonal ribbed texture, produced by passing the weft over one or more warp threads and under two or more.
Not all sheets are woven fabrics, though. For instance, jersey sheets are made from knit fabric and, therefore, don’t have a thread count.
What is the Best Thread Count?
Now that you know what thread count means, let’s talk about its significance. Many people assume that a higher thread count automatically means better quality, but that’s not always true.
Materials Matter: Synthetic fabrics like polyester usually don’t feel as luxurious as cotton, even if the thread count is higher. Textiles like wool may still feel rough, even with a high thread count. Additionally, long-staple cotton tends to be smoother and more durable than short-staple cotton, which can cause pilling. So, while thread count matters, the quality of the material is just as important. Look for sheets made from long staple or Egyptian cotton for a softer feel and greater durability.
Weave Style Matters too: Different weave styles also affect the number of threads in a sheet. For example, a sateen weave typically has more threads than percale due to its tighter, more intricate construction.
Be Wary of Inflated Thread Counts: Some manufacturers artificially inflate thread counts by twisting multiple threads together and counting each strand. For example, a sheet with 200 threads could be marketed as 400 thread count if they use double-ply threads. Additionally, extremely high thread counts, such as 1800, are usually only achievable with synthetic microfibers, which are much thinner than natural fibres like cotton.
Here’s a general guide to recommended thread counts for different sheet styles:
Sateen: 300 to 600
Percale: 180 to 300
Twill: 200 to 500
Linen: 80 to 130
How Does Thread Count Affect Quality?
While thread count isn’t everything, it does play a role in how a sheet feels and performs. For instance, sheets with a lower thread count tend to be more breathable, which is why percale is often preferred by hot sleepers for its crisp and lightweight qualities. On the other hand, higher thread counts generally offer a softer, smoother texture. However, thread counts in the 200 to 600 range are ideal for balancing softness without compromising breathability.
Final Thoughts
Thread count is an important consideration when buying sheets, but it’s not the only factor. Pay attention to the materials, weave style, and be cautious of excessively high thread counts, which often come with a hefty price tag but not necessarily better quality.
Let's break it down
